As an interviewer, not only have I heard stories of battle and anguish, but also stories of love. Many veterans have recounted stories of falling in love during the war, and marrying their sweethearts—they tell me of celebrating 60 plus years together. These stories appeal to the romantic in me.

One woman told me how she bartered cigarettes for her wedding flowers in Holland, and another how she met her husband when they were both on a ship going overseas. Another told me of returning home after the war where he was greeted by his parents and sister, who were all standing with another woman whom he did not know. His father introduced them, referring to her as the returning soldier’s future wife—they were married two years later.

Another love story that stayed with me was one that happened after the war—many, many years after. Last week, we were in Edmonton, Alberta, and I interviewed two veterans, a man named Mr. Bud Dash, who worked as an Airframe Technician in England for the RCAF, and a woman, Mrs. Barbara More, who worked as a plotter in the fighter operations room for the RAF in Scotland. They did not meet during the war, but 60 years later while living in the same retirement residence. They had returned from the war, and having both had long and happy marriages, found each other only after both spouses had passed away. They met often at the different activities hosted by the residence, and danced together at the dances. She told me of going on a cruise together, where he asked her to marry him. She showed me her engagement ring, glowing like a young woman. I watched them leave together, holding hands—in love again.